About B.C.

British Columbia (B.C.) is Canada’s westernmost province. Set between the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Rocky Mountains in the east, B.C.’s beautiful scenery and outdoor activities appeal to people from around the country and around the world.

B.C. also is experiencing economic growth. More than one million job openings are expected between 2011 and 2021.

Whether you are interested in becoming a permanent resident of B.C. or moving to the province for a short period of time, outstanding opportunities and experiences await you. This section will help you discover British Columbia’s diverse peoples, regions and climate as well as its economy.

The Geography of British Columbia

British Columbia is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Rocky Mountains on the east. The province’s diverse geographic regions include beautiful rocky coast lines and sandy beaches, forests, lakes, mountains, inland deserts and grassy plains.

Did you know...?

• • B.C. is 1,200 kilometres from north to south and 1,050 kilometres from east to west—the size of France, Germany and the Netherlands combined.

  • Parks, conservation areas, ecological reserves and recreation areas make up 12 per cent of the province.

  • Mountains cover 75 per cent of British Columbia.

  • There are 40,000 islands throughout B.C.

  • The government owns 90 per cent of the land in B.C. These lands are home to more than two-thirds of Canada’s bird species and land mammals.

Beautiful BC Videos